Today, when I see young people questioning whether their lives will turn out as they hope, I am reminded of my own journey. Looking back, it was not defined by a single turning point, but by a series of decisions made over time.

At 19, I worked as a truck driver’s assistant and loader for a local distributor. A year later, I moved to Vung Tau in southern Vietnam to wash cars. Alongside the job, I began taking small steps to change direction, studying basic computer skills three evenings a week and learning English on the remaining days.

At 21, I graduated with honors from a vocational school. I became an instructor in office computer skills, earning significantly more than I had before. However, the same question returned: Was this where I wanted to stop?

While teaching, I began preparing again for university entrance exams. After several years away from school, I had to relearn subjects such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry from the beginning. A tutor helped me rebuild that foundation.

At the time, my employer questioned the decision. My salary as an instructor was already higher than that of many newly graduated engineers. But I believed that, over the long term, formal education would open more opportunities.

I did not pass my first-choice program in information technology, but I was admitted to study mechanical engineering instead.

Inside a petrochemical plant. Illustration photo by Pexels

From 24 to 29, I attended university while also studying English in the evenings. I graduated with good results and achieved a TOEIC score of 650.

At 30, I began working for a Vietnamese oil and gas company. Over time, my career progressed steadily. By 38, I had bought a house and a car in Vietnam.

At 40, I moved to a multinational oil and gas company overseas. Five years later, at 45, I became a full-time employee of an energy corporation in Qatar. Two years ago, I brought my family to live there with me.

I am aware that many people have achieved more, or taken faster paths. But for me, the journey has been meaningful. Each stage - whether washing cars, teaching, or studying - played a role in where I am today.

Looking back, I have no regrets about the choices I made.